2020 Two Paddocks Fusilier Central Otago Pinot Noir

"Complex and harmonious, a bouquet of softness and power, pinosity and charm. I find the bouquet begins quite floral then as it opens out in glass layers of spice and mineral, a quiet savoury complexity and gentle handling of fruit captures a sense of place and lots of style. Moderate impacts of barrel, roses, cherry, fresh raspberry and some strawberry fruit scents. Elegance comes to mind as the wine touches the palate, then the impact of youthful, tannins and acidity take over. At the core of this wine is the purity of fruit and elegance that is what Pinot Noir should be about. Tannins are finely textured, in abundance and are accentuated by the acid line. A complex wine that is complex and enticing, youthful, taut and majestic. Best drinking from 2026 through 2036." Drink 2026 - 2036

"This is intensely flavorful and aromatic with a wealth of rosemary, grilled herbs, ash, cherries, mulberries, cumin and tapenade. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins. Deliciously savory and saline with forest floor notes coming through on a long and transparent finish."

“Give this a moment of swirling in decanter or glass until it unravels. When it does, it’s an ever-changing specimen. The first thing you notice is a toasted-almond character— a smoky, nutty vibe that grounds the vibrant strawberry and cherry fruit. Then you notice the dried flowers and spice aromas: violets, roses, ground pepper, even thyme and mint. The palate is lightweight, ethereal, but, again, tethered by fine, talc- like tannins before it has time to fly away. Like this producer’s other wines, Fusilier—the passion project of actor Sam Neill—is entirely complete and ready to drink now, but could also cellar for another five to seven years.”